Touring ideas - Midlands-ish?

[Si]

five days off in September....was going to do a tour across Wales but with the current restrictions, esp rail, I'm thinking to stay in England. Was thinking to take the train from New St or Moor St (Birmingham) to starting point (don't want the hassle of changing trains and ideally don't want one of those where you have to stick the bike in a separate compartment (had hassle from those before).

Then ride back to Birmingham over say four days, averaging 40-50miles a day (maybe closer to 45). With nice scenery, quiet roads or paths, with a tail wind, staying in hotels/B&Bs. Don't mind a bit of light offroad (gravel bike), not keen on too much canal tow path.

Last year I got the train to Gloucester (very little hassle) and followed sustrans NCN 45 (The Mercian way) up the Severn Valley to Iron Bridge and then back to Brum. Lots of quiet lanes and off road paths - very relaxing.

any idea for an itinerary?

thanks

[bikepacker]

I know you said not Wales but if you are using trains, why not train to Aberystwyth and do a four day ride back. You could route over the old mountain road to Rhayader, through Builth to Hay on Wye. Then through the golden valley going south of Hereford over or around the Malverns. Finish by routing through Worcestershire. From my home near Worcester it is a 3 day ride for me but you would have the extra mileage up to Sutton Coldfield.

[Si]

That was quite close to my original plan - I think it was sustrans route 81? up to Shrewsbury, then through Wolves and Brum on the cut.

But when I looked on the train booking websites they all say essential journeys only in wales. Not as risky as going to France, granted, but wouldn't want to be left with a load of tickets only to find I couldn't do anything in Wales due to Lock Down II.

[PH]

Using the right mapping I doubt you can go wrong. But if I only had a few days I wouldn't want to use one of them on roads I was familiar with, so would probably be looking for two easy trains.
As an example - You could get the train to Derby (Several an hour, I never bother booking) Follow the Pennine Cycleway through the Peak District, up to maybe Settle, then head West in the Way of the Roses route to a suitable return station, maybe South from Lancaster to Preston which I think has a good service back to brum.

[PaulaT]

You could spend quite a few pleasant days cycling around Herefordshire/Worcestercshire/ Shropshire.

[pwa]

That was quite close to my original plan - I think it was sustrans route 81? up to Shrewsbury, then through Wolves and Brum on the cut.

But when I looked on the train booking websites they all say essential journeys only in wales. Not as risky as going to France, granted, but wouldn't want to be left with a load of tickets only to find I couldn't do anything in Wales due to Lock Down II.

If it helps, Covid levels are very low across most of Wales, with the possible exception of Wrexham. So you have no more need for worry than in England. Herefordshire was an area of slightly higher infection levels a few weeks back, but we still cycled through it without too much concern.

[Jdsk]

Worcestershire... as above... we took the train to Honeybourne and cycled to Great Malvern for a concert. Quiet and lovely.

Jonathan

[Queens Park Pete]

The "essential" journey requirement has now gone from Wales. It was a bit vague anyway and if you don't own a car the train is your practical transport for any long distance journey if you arent actually on LEJOG! I am going to get an early train up to Crewe in September and then make a small tour of North Wales and then headback towards Stafford for a train back . I suspect my new cape will get an airing or two!

[Cyril Haearn]

Visit Welsh places in England, simples:
Moel bryn/Malvern
Welshampton, Shropshire
Croesoswallt/Oswestry
Welsh or English Bicknor
..

[Jdsk]

Visit Welsh places in England, simples:
Moel bryn/Malvern

Why do you describe Malvern as Welsh?

Jonathan

[Queens Park Pete]

Its an anglicisation of a Welsh name. I don't think it's political, more historically interesting!

[Jdsk]

It's name is derived from a Brittonic name. I doubt that the Welsh language existed at the time.

But saying that it's Welsh means something completely different.

Jonathan

[Queens Park Pete]

Sorry I thought this was for light hearted jests and ideas for touring. I failed my Cambridge Entry exam.

[Jdsk]

: - )

You could appeal, although they'll probably change the rules.

Jonathan

[Richard Fairhurst]

Then ride back to Birmingham over say four days, averaging 40-50miles a day (maybe closer to 45). With nice scenery, quiet roads or paths, with a tail wind, staying in hotels/B&Bs. Don't mind a bit of light offroad (gravel bike), not keen on too much canal tow path.

Come down to the North Cotswolds, maybe? If you catch the train to Stratford it's only 12ish miles to Chipping Campden. Pootle around for a few days - lots of quiet lanes and rideable byways - and then it's 40 miles back to Birmingham from Chipping Campden.